1
as in to activate
to cause to function
a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to move
to set or keep in motion
hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actuate
Further, some mechanical switches require little force and/or travel to actuate, which can also help with speed and the amount of energy exerted while typing.
—
Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
The cascading dominoes can also be lightweight, flexible, and actuated by a variety of soft actuators (for example, shape memory alloys, inflatable actuators, bending actuators, etc.), whereas conveyor systems are operated by electric motors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
The cascading dominoes can also be lightweight, flexible, and actuated by a variety of soft actuators (for example, shape memory alloys, inflatable actuators, bending actuators, etc.), whereas conveyor systems are operated by electric motors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuate
Verb
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None of them had their body cameras activated, a violation of department policy.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2025
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In other words, for reasons still not fully understood, the robot’s yawn may have activated a biological response in the chimpanzees that led them to associate the gesture with sleep or rest.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
5 June 2025
Verb
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The two new fire stations, plus the new fire department headquarters that is set to hold a relocated Fire Station 4, are being moved at the recommendation of a 2021 plan that looked to lower emergency response times.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
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Last month, the department moved ahead with negotiated rulemaking, a lengthy process that would result in changes to federal regulations.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
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His tweets and public statements have frequently triggered substantial price surges, establishing a direct correlation between his pronouncements and market performance.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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While no breakthroughs were predicted or expected, the leaders reached a consensus in several areas to increase currency stability, restore growth without triggering new inflation, and reduce trade barriers.—
Robert Hormats,
Time,
10 June 2025
Verb
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Adrienne Long, 38, of Magnolia was killed around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday after a 2015 Chevrolet driving north on U.S. 79 near Magnolia crossed the turning lane and collided head-on with the 2015 Nissan that Long was driving south, according to a report.—
Grant Lancaster,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 2025
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Sundowns’ success has also arguably been good for South Africa, helping drive new standards, develop players and coaches, and change perceptions about what is possible for clubs from the continent when investment is made available.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Madeleine went missing on May 3, 2007, while on holiday with her family in the Algarve town of Praia da Luz, sparking a frenzied search and gaining the attention of the world’s media.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
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These suggestions could prove to be the best present or at least spark an idea for the right gift for the dads in your life.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
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But little opportunities arise everywhere; heavy waves in water can propel racers just enough to warrant a boost push and can strung together by smart player to blast through areas that otherwise might’ve slowed them down.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 2025
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The hope is Rodgers can help propel the Steelers to a playoff berth and more, as the 2025 season could be his last.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Verb
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At 43, this might look like a driver nearing the twilight of his career; the undeniable talent behind the wheel that powered him to two world titles, and within a handful of points of another three, finally starting to wane.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Blue Origin inked a deal with United Launch Alliance to supply a version of its New Glenn main engine to power that company's Vulcan rocket.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2025
Verb
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But the 1933 Cuban Revolution impelled his family’s flight from the island, dashing Desi’s hopes of a legal career.—
Julia M. Klein,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
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To do that, SoFi must be among the small number of public companies that continues to provide upbeat forecasts – as tariff uncertainty impels many public companies to stop offering guidance.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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